The Serpent and the Rose

I finished it in just a couple of days. It was quite entertaining. The characters are all or all bad, but it doesn't take away from the fun. Even Gerenint's time spent at school, he made almost all loyal friends, with the small exception of one (who wasn't really all that bad, either). The Knights were exceptionally devoted without blemish. I know, it sounds as though it would be sappy and annoying, but it's not. The story is sweet and full of hope. I think too many people now a-days are a bit too jaded, and this book brings back a feeling that has become lost in present day--even though the situations are vastly different I think anyone can draw comparison lines. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series.

How refreshing to read a well-written fantasy story whose characters are engaging and sympathetic. The mythology is very similar to ancient christianity, but instead of finding that trite, I enjoyed the different language and perspective of our basic mythology. It's very easy to relate to. Bryan's writing is poetic and clear. The plot doesn't stand still for a moment. A real treat!

Having actually read the book (ahem), I must say it's a wonderfully refreshing foray back into classic fantasy. The characters are all well-wrought, with realistic traits that make it hard to flatly pronounce any of them purely good or purely evil. Although much has happened in this first volume (Averil's acceptance of her birthright, Gereint's development of *his* birthright, and their burgeoning relationship) there is clearly much ground yet to be covered in ensuing books. I'm very much looking forward to continuing the story. Ms. Bryan's writing style is wonderfully evocative and grabbed me from the first page. One could say she crafts her words into a binding of the unsuspecting reader. Make sure you have plenty of free time before opening this book. You've been warned. ;)

An excellent book. I had a hard time putting it down and can't wait for the next.

A thousand years ago in the Kingdom of Lys, followers of the Young God imprison the malevolent Serpent. Over the ensuing centuries, peace and prosperity flourish. However recently, the forces of the incarcerated Serpent clandestinely led by Lys King Clodovec have begun a coup to destroy the Young God's supporters the Knights of the Rose and Ladies of the Isle so that they can liberate their deity and return the evil one to the power usurped from him. The Duke of Quitaine Urien leads the supporters of the Young God, but is poisoned by Clodovec. The King knows he must also eliminate Urien's daughter, Averil a powerful mage trained by the Ladies of the Isle. She flees with the aid of the Knights of the Rose; on her trek to safety she meets commoner Gereint, an untrained powerful magician. Meanwhile as the Serpent's minion grow stronger and appear ready to conquer, allies Averil and Gereint turn to the magical taboo by trying to cut a deal with the ancient ones. If they defeat the Serpent's horde, it would leave them vulnerable to their new partners. This is a terrific opening epic fantasy due to a powerful fully developed cast on both sides of the Godly dispute. The story line obviously sets the stage for the confrontations in the future novels, but also provides a deep plot of insidious betrayal from within leading to a need for the heroine to escape to fight another day. Kathleen Bryan provides a wonderful first tale in the War between Order and Chaos. Harriet Klausner